Summer is just around the corner, and what could be better than spending the long weekend of June 2nd enjoying the fresh and lively air that accompanies us on our bike rides? No solo adventures for this holiday, but moments of togetherness that combine a passion for cycling with the opportunity to discover more about the regions that host them.
If you haven’t planned your ride for next week yet and want to make the experience unforgettable, take a look at the four events and one itinerary we’ve selected for you. From the enchanting Abruzzo to the picturesque Piedmont, through the magnificent Venice, the majestic Pollino, and vibrant Naples, these events promise two-wheeled adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and, of course, the chance to enjoy delicious wines and traditional dishes. Get ready to pedal and enjoy a memorable weekend!
Art Bike & Run + Wine in Abruzzo
Art Bike & Run + Wine is the event that, on the Costa dei Trabocchi, combines the love of cycling, art, and fine wine. It’s three days of events and activities for the whole family, from June 2nd to 4th, 2023. Bike routes, an eno-gastronomic bike ride, but also street art, local storytelling, sharing and socializing, and tastings of Abruzzo’s gastronomic specialties. Everything revolves around the ABR Village, at the former Fossacesia Marina Railway Station, where participants will meet. Here, not only will presentations be held, but there will also be a dedicated children’s area and a food & wine section. For all the information: Art Bike & Run + Wine
Pollino Bike Festival
From June 1st to 4th, 2023, the Pollino Bike Festival will take place in Calabria, organized by Catasta, the dedicated experience space of the Pollino National Park. Four days of initiatives that enhance cyclotourism and promote the discovery of the park through cycling as a form of slow travel. This festival offers an opportunity to connect with local communities and immerse yourself in the nature of the protected area, which is part of the UNESCO network for its ancient beech forests and highly interesting geosites. The Pollino Bike Festival is also a prime location for outdoor sports lovers. A highlight of the event is the Marathon degli Aragonesi, on Sunday, June 4th, a race dedicated to mountain biking, part of the official calendar of the Natural Parks Trophy and organized by Asd Ciclistica Castrovillari. The Campotenese tourist center, a bike point of the Calabria Parks Cycle Route, becomes a reference point for cyclotourism. During the festival, there will be meetings, activities, shared moments, excursions, races for both adults and children, music, and promotion of local food identities. For the program: Pollino Bike Festival
Alpi Bike Experience in Piedmont
On June 3rd and 4th, 2023, at the majestic Forte di Fenestrelle complex, in the Cozie Alps, visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere. Alpi Bike Experience is a free event (with prior registration) for lovers of high-altitude cycling. The exhibition area will host presentations and projects to promote the Piedmont alpine territory, offering an opportunity to discover the wonders of this mountainous region. Organized excursions and workshops will further enrich the event program, allowing participants to explore the surrounding natural beauty. In collaboration with UpSlowTour, four routes have been created to discover the wonders of the Chisone Valley. From iconic roads like the Assietta road to picturesque villages and fortifications scattered around the lush nature surrounding the Forte di Fenestrelle, each tour will be led by local experts guiding the group on an unforgettable cyclotourism adventure. To participate, simply register for Alpi Bike Experience
Light Up in Naples
The Napoli Bike Festival 2023 promises to be a truly exciting weekend. The event will be held on June 1st and 2nd at the impressive Palazzo Fuga (formerly the Real Albergo dei Poveri). This year, the event embraces the theme “Fatti leggero” (Lighten Up), a nod to the famous line by Massimo Troisi in “Ricomincio da Tre.” On Thursday, June 1st at 7 PM, the Bike Party kicks off, and Palazzo Fuga transforms into a place of celebration and entertainment, with music, performances, shows, DJ sets, video projections, and exhibitions. At midnight, the music will stop to begin a bike tour under the stars, a pure energy experience for all bike enthusiasts, with areas dedicated to food, drinks, and bike parking. On June 2nd, for Republic Day, the celebration will continue on two wheels. The official hashtag of the event, #pedaloper, will also be used to celebrate Napoli’s third Scudetto and highlight the Città30 initiative. The invitation is to wear, as a dress code, Napoli blue. The Napoli Bike Festival also features a free exhibition area, a space for talks, and stories linking food, bikes, and regions, as well as a dedicated children’s area. For the full program: Napoli Bike Festival
The Lagoon of Venice by Bike
It is not possible to ride within beautiful Venice itself, but we can circle around it, following a ring route around the Lagoon, accessible to everyone. The landscape is made of canals, fishing areas, and cultivated fields, and is in a way wild. Stretching 90 km from the sea to the Lagoon, the northern part allows you to admire the entire Alpine arc and, towards the sea, the splendid Venice. If you have a whole day available, start from Mestre, cross the San Giuliano Park, and then follow the paths to Jesolo. From the Cavallino-Treporti lighthouse, you’ll reach Punta Sabbioni, where you can take the ferry to Venice. Here, you’ll cycle along the Liberty Bridge to return to Mestre. For route details: Lagoon of Venice by bike.
Enjoy your cycling weekend!
